NPI Optical Test Engineer

Ciena; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 78,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision plans

Stock purchase program

Paid holidays

Paid time off

Employee assistance

Job summary

Ciena's New Product Introduction team in Ottawa is seeking a highly motivated test development engineer to deliver automated calibration and verification solutions for the Wavelogic Extreme coherent modems. You will develop and support test automation for production lines, support R&D tools, and collaborate with contract manufacturers.

The role requires a hands-on engineer with strong hardware and software troubleshooting, data-driven problem solving, and excellent communication across

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Optical Engineering, Physics or Computer Science.
• Experience using optical and RF test equipment (spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, power meters, attenuators).
• 5+ years test automation software development (C#, Python, or Matlab).
• Strong knowledge of high-speed modem components (CDMs, ICRs, lasers, amplifiers, tunable filters).
• Solid understanding of production statistics (CPk analysis, Pareto charts).

Responsibilities

• Develop and support test automation for new and existing production lines.
• Support the R&D team with test tools during prototype development.
• Assist contract manufacturers in testing beta prototypes and high-volume production.
• Analyze production statistics to improve test time and yields.
• Support failure analysis and implement corrective actions for components and subsystems.
• Facilitate transfer of new products to high-volume production across sites.
• Develop fault isolation tools and troubleshooting guides.

Skills

Test automation

C#

Python

MATLAB

CPk analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Optical Engineering, Physics or Computer Science

Tools

Git

Jira

Confluence

Sourcetree

Bitbucket

Job description

As the global leader in high-speed connectivity, Ciena builds the critical infrastructure powering the AI era. We’re a technology company shaping the future of networking, guided by innovation, integrity, and collaboration. Through development opportunities, meaningful work, and flexibility, Ciena supports growth and well-being—on and off the job. Connect with a career that matters.

Ciena's New Product Introduction team is seeking a highly motivated test development engineer to join their dynamic team. This role involves playing a key part in delivering cutting‑edge automated calibration and verification solutions for Ciena's optical portfolio, with a primary focus on Ciena's Wavelogic Extreme high-performance coherent modems.

We are seeking an exceptional candidate who exemplifies a strong technical acumen and a data-driven problem-solving approach. This individual should demonstrate proficiency in troubleshooting hardware and software‑related issues with expertise and precision. Effective and concise communication skills are vital, as the candidate will be responsible for effectively conveying their work to diverse teams, including designers, product engineers, contract manufacturers, and operators. The role encompasses a broad spectrum of responsibilities, ranging from selecting test station instruments to developing automation code for both hardware and software components.

As part of the job requirements, regular attendance at the office is necessary on a daily basis. Additionally, there may be occasional evening meetings that you will need to attend.

Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and support test automation for both new and existing production lines
• Support the R&D team with test tools during the prototype development
• Support the contract manufacturer partners in testing beta prototypes, pre‑production, and high‑volume production
• Analyze production statistics to improve test time and yields as production scales
• Support failure analysis, root cause identification and corrective action implementation of components, sub‑system, and field failures
• Facilitate the smooth transfer of new products to high‑volume production across multiple sites.
• Develop and document fault isolation troubleshooting tools and guides

Required Skills

Must Have

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Optical Engineering, Physics or Computer Science
• Experience using optical and radio frequency RF test equipment (spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, power meters, attenuators)
• 5+ years test automation software development (C#, Python, or Matlab)
• A comprehensive understanding of the fundamental components of high speed modems such as CDMs (coherent driver‑modulators), intradyne coherent‑receivers (ICRs), semiconductor lasers and amplifiers, tunable filters, and others.
• Good understanding of statistics in a production environment (CPk analysis, paretos)

Preferred

• Test engineering experience including offshore production and debug management
• Experience using source control tools such as git
• Experience using the Atlassian suite of tools (Bitbucket/Sourcetree/Jira/Confluence)
• Ability to travel up to 10% of the time outside of Canada
• Fluency in oral and written French is desirable

The annual pay range for this position is CAD $ 77,500.00 - 144,500.00

Pay ranges at Ciena are designed to accommodate variations in knowledge, skills, experience, market conditions, and locations, reflecting our diverse products, industries, and lines of business. Please note that the pay range information provided in this posting pertains specifically to the primary location, which is the top location listed in case multiple locations are available.

Non‑Sales employees may be eligible for a discretionary incentive bonus, while Sales employees may be eligible for a sales commission. In addition to competitive compensation, Ciena offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, participation in 401(K) (USA) & DCPP (Canada) with company matching, Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), company‑paid holidays, paid sick leave, and vacation time. We also comply with all applicable laws regarding Paid Family Leave and other leaves of absence.

At Ciena, we are committed to building and fostering an environment in which our employees feel respected, valued, and heard. Ciena values the diversity of its workforce and respects its employees as individuals. We do not tolerate any form of discrimination.

Ciena is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status.

If contacted in relation to a job opportunity, please advise Ciena of any accommodation measures you may require.